The washer was making a loud knocking noise during spin cycle, that quit now it just makes a loud whining noise. I took it apart and found what I thought was a belt twisted and hanging loose around the gearcase, I have since identified it as a sound dampening ring, clutch housing. I matched the part picture on another website. Would this be the only thing causing the noise or are is the gearcase screwed up too? It looks like this thing is meant to stretch around the gearcase. Should I attempt to fix it myself or is it too complicated. I'm fairly handy. And where can I find instructions on fixing it?

Diagnostic Guide Link
I found service tech diagnostic guides (PDF format) during an online search. This includes instructions on putting the dryer into test mode in order to check switches, etc. Here are the links:

Gas Dryer:
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/wiring/Tech%20Sheet%20-%203980053.pdf

Electric Dryer:
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/wiring/Tech%20Sheet%20-%203979705.pdf

KENMORE WASHER AND DRYER
Epinions.com - Posts in Sears Kenmore Elite Dryer Won't Run If Start Button Released (http://www.epinions.com/msg/show_~threads/cat_id_~17/id_~2440/forum_id_~409/sec_~forums/pp_~1#posts)